Defensive line could be a major sore sport for the Chargers in 2010
Merry training camp season, everyone. It’s been a long offseason, but football is finally gearing up again and to celebrate I’m rolling out a new series on TSR entitled “2010 NFL Question Marks,” where I discuss one or two of the biggest concerns that teams have heading into the new season. Granted, some teams have more issues than others, but I’ll primarily be focusing on the biggest problem areas. Today I’ll be discussing the issues the Chargers could have up front on defense.
Thanks to GM A.J. Smith’s ongoing battle with the disgruntled Vincent Jackson, one could argue that receiver will be the Chargers’ biggest weakness heading into the new season. But even without Jackson, quarterback Philip Rivers will have plenty of targets to throw to in tight end Antonio Gates, wideout Malcom Floyd and up-and-comer Legedu Naanee.
With that in mind, the Bolts’ biggest issue still lies on the defensive side of the ball.
In 2009, the Chargers ranked 20th in the league against the run, allowing 117.6 yards per game. After Smith failed to address the defensive line this offseason, run defense could once again be the team’s Achilles heel.
Luis Castillo is still considered the team’s best defensive lineman, but he finished last year with career-lows in sacks (one) and tackles (25). He also underwent offseason shoulder surgery and has missed 15 starts over the past four seasons.
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Posted in: NFL
Tags: 2010 NFL Preview, 2010 NFL Question Marks Series, A.J. Smith, Anthony Stalter, Antonio Garay, Antonio Gates, Igor Olashansky, Jacques Cesaire, Jamal Williams, Legedu Naanee, Luis Castillo, Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers, Vincent Jackson